The Caravan Owners Club

[Nigel]

Hi

We are looking at puchasing our first caravan and favour the Hobby due to the excellent layout choice and the opportunity to save on a new one by getting it from Germany. We are currently looking at either the 560KMFE with a few extras (See below). Our main issue is one of ignorance regarding the width (2.5M).

Am i breaking any laws ?

What can Mr Plod do ? fines etc (What are they likely to be) ?

What is the likelyhood of me getting pulled ?

Am i insured for a van of this width in the UK ? I would be pulling it with a Landcruiser Colorado.

If i am going to get stung then i may have to settle for the 500KMFE.


With regard to buying the Van we were thinking of the following "Extra's" having read through the messages posted. Can anyone suggest any others that i should consider ?

Van Leisure Battery with Charger

Gas water heating

Chassis Upgrade (Increased Payload)

Spare Wheel & Jack

Can anyone suggest dealers abroad that can offer "Good Deals" and suply me with contact details. i have seen FJ mentioned but dont know how to contact him.

Finally, if i do buy abroad what is the stipulation on warranty. Do i have to have a reqular annual service / inspection and where can i get this done.

Look forward to your replys.

Thanks in advance

Nigel & Debbie

Landcruiser Colorado
Hobby 560 / 500 KMFE
Folkestone

[Garry]

Check this out Nigel:-

http://www.hobby-owners-club.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=154

[lizzie2911]

Hi Nigel

Look at website www.ntta.co.uk

Safe and legal towing and Driving licences, This will give you the information you need and you should maybe be looking at 3501kg for towing if the caravan is 2.5 wide, this should make you legal but it only applies to the UK in Europe they do not have this legislation.

Hope this is the Info you need

[Doc]

Nigel, please, please note the following.

We are currently looking at either the 560KMFE with a few extras (See below). Our main issue is one of ignorance regarding the width (2.5M).....
Am i breaking any laws ?

Yes, you are, follow lizzie's link or look here http://www.hobby-owners-club.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8

What can Mr Plod do ? fines etc (What are they likely to be) ?
What is the likelyhood of me getting pulled ?

If they catch you plod could give a fine, stop you from towing it and/or confiscate the 'van. All very unlikely, as you are most unlkely to be stopped.

Am i insured for a van of this width in the UK ? I would be pulling it with a Landcruiser Colorado.

NO, and this is the main problem. Should you be involved in an accident all your insurance, towcar and 'van, will be void; you could then be personally liable, not only for the costs of your damaged towcar and 'van, but ALSO for third party damages, which could run to £millions.

You really don't want to do this

Go for a 540 or 500 Hobby. Have a look here http://www.hobby-owners-club.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=160 for suggetions of where you might buy.

As you are in Folkestone, go to Poperinge in Belgium (nr. Ypres) on a day-trip to DeCuyper Caravans (on the ring-road), to have a look at loads of Hobbys and other makes! Oh, they are SHUT on Mondays!